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Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School took to the polls during a mock election.
Even though they were too young to actually vote, students at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School participated in a mock election. The event, held Monday, Nov. 4, engaged all 1,100 students and staff in a hands-on civics and democracy experience.
“I liked that students could express their opinions regarding politics, specifically which president they think is better for the U.S. and its people,” said Howard Holmes, 13, of Oak Lawn. “This was important because it gave children the opportunity to understand more about politics, preparing them for when it is their time to vote.”
Participants formed electoral teams, simulating the Electoral College process to mirror a true national election. Results were announced at the end of the day, giving students a unique opportunity to discuss and reflect on the outcome with their families, fostering meaningful conversations about civic engagement.
“It’s important for students to recognize that the right to vote is not universal and to appreciate the privilege they have in knowing that one day they’ll be able to actively participate in selecting their local and national leaders,” said Heather McCarthy, media specialist at Oak Lawn-Hometown.
Candidates included Democrat Kamala Harris, Republican Donald Trump, and independents Cornel West, Jill Stein, Chase Oliver, and Claudia De la Cruz.
“Students particularly benefited from this voting process because it creates an awareness and understanding of the Electoral College,” said Keith Ogean, an Oak Lawn-Hometown social studies teacher. “They were shown infographics about who actually votes, fostering an understanding that those who vote get what they want. It’s an example of the squeaky wheel getting the oil.”
Ogean and his colleagues designed the election by distributing electors based on student populations to help students understand the election on Nov. 5.
Voting took place throughout the school day in mock booths representing actual election voting centers. There was a clear winner: every team in sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grades voted for Trump, while Harris received only 18 Electoral College votes from staff.
“My hope was that students learned how voting works and why it’s important by participating in our schoolwide election,” said Vince Mamolella, an Oak Lawn-Hometown eighth-grade social studies teacher. “This project gave students a chance to understand how they can make a difference and why making informed choices matters. It also allowed them to see themselves as future voters who can help shape their communities.”
Students echoed Mamolella’s sentiments.
“I liked doing the election because people debated about who to vote for,” said Mya Castro, 12, of Oak Lawn. “It was fun to hear about it, and I could actually use something I learned in school in real life.”
Her classmate, Livianna Mejia, agreed.
“The reason I liked voting in school is because it will help when I’m actually ready to vote,” Mejia, 12, said. “When I am, I will know how to research who and why I should vote for someone.”
The mock election at Oak Lawn-Hometown offered students more than just a lesson in civics; it gave them a glimpse of their future roles as voters and community members. Through debates, team collaboration, and hands-on voting experience, they gained insights into the democratic process and the significance of informed participation. For many, the day ended not only with a tally of votes, but with a renewed sense of responsibility toward shaping the world they will one day inherit.
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Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School took to the polls during a mock election.